The news of the killing of General Qasem Soleimani in a US military attack authorised by president Trump has raised serious concerns about an escalation of an already tense and volatile situation in the wider middle east
Nikol Pashinyan, Ilham Aliyev and Giorgi Gaharia addressed their citizens just before midnight in their traditional new year's message to their populations
The editorial team of commonspace.eu wish all our readers and subscribers in the Caucasus region, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, sincere best wishes for the new year 2020.
In her Christmas address the British Monarch praised organisations that "have worked to promote peace and unity around the world, bringing together those who have been on opposing sides."
In Baku elaborate festive lights adorned the centre of the city and iconic landmarks, such as the historic Maiden Tower. Celebrations in Azerbaijan will reach their climax on New Year's eve.
In Armenia, prime minister Nikol Pashinyan on Friday (20 December) together with his family, joined the Mayor of Yerevan for the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Yerevan's iconic Republic Square.
"If talks might make matters worse, their continued absence almost certainly will. Getting back to the table will be difficult but is the only way Armenia and Azerbaijan can start digging out of their deadlock", the report says